Event assistant jobs in Leicester

Role: Director of Fundraising and Communications

Location:Home-based, with regular attendance (2-3 times per month) of meetings in London.

Salary:£70,000

Type: Permanent, full time (37.5  hours per week) or flexible to at least 0.8 FTE

Responsible to:CEO

Responsible for:Head of Communications, Marketing & Digital (and team); Fundraising Managers x 2; Fundraising Assistant

Benefits:   Flexible working arrangements, 28 days of annual leave (FTE pro rata for part-time) + 1 day for your birthday, pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme

About the role

Every five minutes, someone, somewhere in the world is told that they have MS. There are currently 2.9 million people in the world living with MS. When you’re diagnosed with MS, in just seconds, the future that you saw for yourself and your loved ones has been shattered. A diagnosis often comes at a time when you’re in the prime of your life, when you should be planning your future, not facing a lifetime of uncertainty. Knowing you have MS can feel incredibly isolating and lonely.

Overcoming MS is here to provide hope: through lifestyle changes, backed by scientific research, a full and healthy life with MS is possible. Could you be the person that helps us get this message of hope through to thousands of people diagnosed each year, their families and friends, and to potential funders?

This role is an essential leadership role in Overcoming MS, working as a key member of a small Senior Leadership Team, in partnership with the Chief Executive and Director of Services. The Director of Fundraising & Communications is responsible for driving income generation, strengthening the charity’s profile, and embedding marketing and digital excellence across all areas of work.

Job summary:

You will set both strategic direction and deliver hands-on activity, overseeing all fundraising streams, communications, digital platforms, and supporter engagement. You will develop integrated strategies that maximise limited resources, grow sustainable income, amplify our impact and ensure the charity communicates with clarity, consistency, and purpose.

You will lead a small team of fundraisers, marketeers and communicators to deliver to our current organisational plans, whilst developing longer term plans to extend our reach and our income base. You will work proactively and independently to build relationships, develop innovative campaigns and provide the support that enables our service delivery to function.

You will be expected to provide a high standard and quality of impact across a range of activities and projects, being fully aware of and upholding the charity’s values, and taking responsibility for modelling these to others across the organisation and to the wider community.

Key responsibilities:

1. Strategic & organisational leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated fundraising, communications, and digital strategy aligned with the charity’s mission and growth ambitions.
• Provide senior leadership input into organisational planning, impact reporting, and strategic development.
• Manage departmental budgets, forecasting, and performance monitoring.
• Foster a collaborative, values-driven culture and support wider organisational priorities.

2. Fundraising leadership

· Drive sustainable income growth across key fundraising streams:

o Individual giving and regular giving

o Major donors

o Trusts and Foundations

o Corporate partnerships and sponsorships

• • Community and challenge events
• Personally manage selected high-value supporters and partnerships.
• Develop compelling cases for support, pitches, and fundraising campaigns.
• Ensure excellent donor journeys and stewardship, supported by effective digital and CRM systems.
• Maintain compliance with fundraising best practice and regulations.

3. Communications, brand & digital

· Transform our approach to raising awareness – both of the connection between healthy lifestyle and MS, as well as Overcoming MS itself – ensuring we reach people with MS and their families at the earliest point of a diagnosis.

• Lead Overcoming MS’s communication strategy to significantly grow visibility, engagement and trust, with everyone affected by MS, the Overcoming MS community, donors and fundraisers, and other key stakeholders.

• Ensure digital and communication tools, channels, systems and platforms underpin and are able to maximise opportunities for all fundraising, communications, and operational activity.
• Use communication and marketing techniques to amplify the impact of our services and increase our reach, ensuring maximum take up.
• Oversee the charity’s website, ensuring strong user experience, accessibility, SEO performance, and conversion optimisation.

• Oversee production of high-quality, tailored content for digital, print, and social channels.

• Oversee digital supporter acquisition and retention: paid ads, email marketing, marketing automation, and analytics.

5. Campaigns & public engagement

• Lead fundraising, awareness and media campaigns across digital and traditional channels.
• Use data, insights, and analytics to optimise campaign performance and supporter engagement.

6. Other

• Provide regular performance reports to the CEO and Board, including financial updates, campaign metrics, and risk management.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fundraising regulation, data protection, accessible communications and digital governance, ensuring all our activities are compliant.
• Ensure that all activities uphold the charity’s values, safeguarding practices, and ethical commitments.
• Represent the charity externally at events, conferences, and partner meetings.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential experience

• Senior leadership experience within a charity or non-profit organisation, ideally in a small team or resource-limited environment.
• Proven track record of generating income across multiple fundraising streams.
• Experience leading digital, communications, and/or marketing functions.
• Demonstrable experience of measurable impact within a small organisation, through increasing income generation or significant reach.
• Demonstrable experience of content creation, audience engagement and strong message creation.
• Experience of delivering integrated campaigns, including overseeing media and digital engagement, with demonstrable outcomes.
• Experience managing donor relationships, funder reporting, and high-quality proposals.
• Budget management and strategic planning experience.
• Significant experience of managing external providers, agencies, suppliers and partners, managing relationships to achieve better terms, service or outcomes, overcoming difficulties or retendering where required.

Essential skills & competencies

• Strong digital skills: CRM systems, website CMS, email marketing tools, social media management, analytics, and digital fundraising techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to craft compelling stories and proposals.
• Relationship-building ability with donors, partners, media, supporters, and stakeholders.
• Creative and data-driven approach to engagement, marketing, and income generation.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of fundraising, communications, GDPR, safeguarding, accessibility and other standards.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.
• Strong organisational, planning, and project-management skills.

Personal attributes

• Passion for the work that Overcoming MS does and the communities we serve.
• Highly adaptable, resilient, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, small-team environment.
• Understanding of an organisation with a dispersed, remote team across a wide geography.
• Collaborative, supportive, and able to inspire confidence internally and externally.
• Proactive, solutions-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Integrity, discretion, and a commitment to ethical fundraising and responsible communications.
• Excellent standard of written and spoken English and ability to communicate effectively with a range of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Fully committed to Overcoming MS’s values

Desirable

• Experience with a charity from the health sector or an understanding of multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions.

The Biochemical Society are seeking an Events and Training Assistant, on a 12-month fixed term contract, to support the Biochemical Society Events and Training team.

In this role, you will be the first point of contact for delegate and general events related queries, ensuring that delegates have registered for events under the correct category, and received payment before the event. You will also set up events in the Events system and manage CPD accreditation applications for all events, collating event feedback and researching potential new sponsors for events.

The post-holder will assist with pre-event and training preparation, and onsite support at events, working closely with the Event Organisers and Conference and Events Manager, with task ranging from sending all pre-event communication, create flash poster presentation using PowerPoint and providing travel guidance to attendees to managing the registration desk, providing A/V support for speakers and handling and promoting marketing material at events and engaging with delegates, along with other duties as required by the Conferences and Events Manager.

The Events and Training Assistant will travel within the UK and occasionally overseas.

Suitable candidates will have an interest or some experience in events management, have excellent attention to detail and great communication skills, being friendly and personable.

For more information about the organisation, please visit our website.

Closing date: 6th January 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please note that this role is home-based and as such interviews will be virtual.

“We are interested in every candidate who is eligible to work in the United Kingdom. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.”

Please send a CV and covering letter. It is important that you DO NOT include your Personal Information i.e. name and contact details in your CV or Cover Letter. This is because the Society is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies to support staff from different backgrounds.

The Society takes the security of your data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties.

Please note that due to limited resources it is not possible for the Society to acknowledge receipt of applications. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

This is a unique opportunity for an astute, super-efficient, fast learner to join the first international climate campaign organisation focused on the steel sector, one of the largest and least-challenged drivers of climate change. In this role, you will provide critical executive administrative support to our Executive Director and leadership team in a fast-moving and developing organisation, bringing invaluable organisational expertise that we need to thrive. There will be plenty of opportunity to develop your own skills and responsibilities as SteelWatch evolves. You will join an international team across countries that are nimble, collaborative, and hugely ambitious in the task of influencing the steel sector, which drives 7% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

SteelWatch is an international non-profit civil society organisation established in June 2023, driving corporate accountability in the steel sector and urgent climate action. Our vision is a steel sector that underpins a thriving zero-emissions economy. We are still in 'start-up' mode, actively campaigning while developing our team and systems. We are small but growing, seeking to hold the huge steel industry to account for its impacts and drive urgency into a sector that is, so far, slow to change. The team is spread across countries and timezones, working closely collaboratively and remotely.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Executive Assistant is responsible for providing critical, executive administrative support to enable the Executive Director and SteelWatch Leadership team to operate effectively. The Executive Assistant will be a vital team member, ensuring smooth operations across executive functions and key organisational processes. We are looking for a candidate with curiosity and the capacity to adapt as SteelWatch continues to evolve. The Executive Assistant reports to the Operations Director and works closely with the Executive Director on day-to-day priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The role is focused on supporting the Executive Director and SteelWatch Leadership team on a number of tasks, not limited to:

Executive Support

• Stay up to date on ED priorities and tasks. Manage diaries, schedule appointments, set up meetings accordingly, adapting to priorities.
• Organise and book travel arrangements according to diary needs, ED needs, and internal policies.
• Arrange and prepare for meetings with external partners, allies, industry experts, donors and industry meetings, handling logistics (timing, location, travel, virtual arrangements) and ensuring advanced preparation where needed.
• Draft supporting materials (e.g., presentations) and assist with minute-taking, ensuring team input.
• Track and manage written communication with key external contacts, including funder updates.
• While managing immediate diary priorities, stay one step ahead on the medium and long-term diary, to flag to ED, others in LT or in the staff team where advanced action or decisions are needed.

Governance and Operational Activities

• Manage ongoing engagement with the Supervisory Board by ensuring clear agendas, logistical support in organising these meetings, plus minute taking, sign-off and circulation.
• Manage the logistics for the annual staff retreat and other face to face meetings
• Coordinate weekly team meetings as directed by the Executive Director.
• Assist with key organisational processes and tasks, collaborating closely with the Operations Lead and team members on document management, process improvements, new staff recruitment, and onboarding processes.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience of executive support and a proactive, creative and tactful approach to making logistics and relationships run smoothly in a busy, evolving, international organisation, and must be happy working in a fully remote environment.

They will be detail-oriented and fussy about accuracy while comfortable operating in a context where systems are improving.

They will be able to navigate ambiguity, drive action forward in a fluid context, and enjoy doing so. Additionally, they will have enthusiasm for a start-up culture, demonstrating a willingness to lean into each other's roles and support team members as needed. They will have the highest professional standards and strong interpersonal communication skills.

Essential skills and experiences

• At least 3-5 years' experience (and possibly much more) and a proven track record as a proactive and problem solving assistant, supporting an Executive Director with calendar management and other administrative challenges.
• Strong belief in the organisation's mission.
• Tech savvy and able to work highly effectively using collaboration tech tools, including Google products (Google Docs, Google Drive, Google sheets, etc.) and other tools (Slack, Zoom, etc).
• Strong organisational and logistical skills with enthusiasm for supporting smooth operations across the leadership team and wider organisation.
• Proven track record as a team player, able to work well with colleagues across cultures and geographies, creating respectful collaborative relationships and efficient teamwork.
• Comfortable in a fully-remote working environment, and able to adapt to the team working practices and team building of an online environment.
• Comfortable working with fluidity and the flexibility of a start-up organisation, able to work independently and adapt to team priorities, committed to investing in strengthening the organisation.
• Willingness to lean into building system improvements and adapting to the pace and urgency of changing priorities. 
• Strong oral and written communication.
• Willingness and ability to work across time zones, collaborate with diverse teams, and accommodate some early start times to work with colleagues in Asia.
• Ability to travel once per year internationally, potentially twice a year in Europe, and to meet irregularly with the UK-based ED and/or Netherlands and Belgium-based Operations team in person.

Desirable

• Prior experience in a non-governmental organisation (NGO) setting is preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of audiences from analysts to communication experts and campaigners.
• Proven strong organisational skills to coordinate multiple inputs and manage different deadlines, working on immediate tasks as well as longer pieces of work.
• Demonstrated ability to think both strategically and creatively.
• Desire and ability to take initiative and to learn as you go.
• Enthusiasm to work with colleagues who bring different skills and expertise, and many of whom are on a learning curve about steel.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Location/remote working

• The position is fully remote with some occasional face-to-face time with colleagues, particularly the Executive Director and Operations Director.
• The UK is the preferred location due to ease of travel and contracting, but we will also consider exceptional applicants located in Belgium and the Netherlands.
• The successful applicant must be based in a time zone within one hour of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
• Being within a four-hour train journey of London is strongly preferred to facilitate travel and in-person collaboration, though we will consider exceptional candidates outside this range.
• While we offer some flexibility for you to work away from home base, this will need to be coordinated with travel of other colleagues, may depend on timezone changes and/or be limited by legal contracting constraints.
• You must have the right to work in your location. You will be employed in that country. SteelWatch is unable to support any visa application process. Work environment/Travel
• Working hours are flexible, but to facilitate collaboration, the core coordination window is 08:00-17:00 GMT/BST, Monday-Friday and you should be reasonably accessible during this window for meetings and coordination purposes. Work may occasionally be required outside of this standard time frame to meet deliverables.
• You will have the flexibility to adjust your weekly schedule to balance out those hours and fit into other commitments.
• Occasional travel will be required to collaborate with the team, including:
  • Annual full team retreat (once per year, may be in Asia, Europe or elsewhere) - essential.
  • Additional travel for events and face-to-face time with the team as needed.
• Face-to-face time with other colleagues may not be frequent, but it is essential. If you are constrained in your ability or permissions to travel, please discuss this before investing in an application.
• We pride ourselves on building a collaborative team of different cultures and working styles. Team members embrace the flexibility and learning curve of a start-up, and adapt to supporting each other as priorities arise.

Terms

This role is full time, 5 days/week. The initial contract period will be up to 12 months with a possibility to renew, depending on country regulations. The type of contract will depend on the location.

The gross salary for this position, if based in the UK, is in the range of £33,423-£44,576, based on experience and qualifications. Salaries are adjusted by location.

Our leave policy, unless varied by national regulation, provides 34 days in total combining public holidays and paid leave in all countries, plus birthday leave and inspiration time.

Ethics

We are a values-based organisation. Every staff member and consultant is asked to sign our Ethics statement and help us as an organisation live up to our values.

Equal opportunities

We strive to be an equal opportunities employer. We actively welcome applications from candidates from historically underrepresented groups in the climate change movement. If you require any adaptation or assistance during the application process, please be sure to let us know so that we can adjust.

The Royal Meteorological Society is the UK’s professional and learned Society for Weather and Climate and is respected around the world for its contribution to meteorology.  The Society is a charity and its programmes of work include providing professional accreditation, developing educational resources and skills, producing scientific publications, holding public and professional meetings and events, giving advice to Government and policy makers, and a growing role in providing information to the public on the science of weather and climate change.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support an exciting project called the State of the Climate for the Agri-Food Sector, which we are delivering in partnership with the Met Office. This project aims to contribute to the evidence base of current impacts of climate change on the agri-food sector in the UK. This role is ideal for someone with strong research skills and an interest in weather and climate and the influence on the agri-food sector.

Roles and Responsibilities

The candidate will be responsible for the following but will be expected to meet with the project team once a month and come to the kick-off meeting and launch event. There is also scope for involvement in the communication and dissemination of the work throughout the program.

The responsibilities and timeline are set out as follows:

• Update the research protocol with the project team (Q1)
• Evidence and Data Synthesis from publicly available data sources and data provided by project partners (Q1):
  •  Carry out evidence synthesis
  •  Compile results from synthesis
  •  Share results with stakeholders
• Indicator co-production workshop (Q1)
  •  With the project team identify key stakeholders for an indicator workshop
  •  Share results from evidence and data synthesis to support the discussion
  •  Co-deliver the running of the workshop
  •  Write a draft report of the outcomes and agreed indicators
• Develop Agri-Food Case Studies which will form part of a resource hub (Q2/Q3)
  •  Run online focus groups
  •  Develop case studies of transformative adaptation taking place in the UK
  •  Share case studies with stakeholders
• Final Report and Roadmap (Q2/Q3)
  •  Lead the write up of the final technical report
  •  Develop roadmap of the annual process
• Project wrap up feeding into planning for 2027 cycle (Q4)

Required Skills and Competencies

The required skills and competencies that the Society view as important for this role are:

Essential:

• Hold or carrying out a research degree and be either a student or an early career researcher/professional (i.e. MPhil, MSc, PhD); Background or strong interest in agri-food, weather and climate is highly preferred.
• Experience in academic or applied research including with quantitative analysis. Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, professional documentation for external stakeholders
• Self-starter with excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Confidence to chair and organise focus groups and workshop with stakeholders
• A friendly and open-minded approach, with strong interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with indicator development
• Skilled in programming in R and/or Python
• All applicants are required to demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Desired:

• Experience working on a project with multiple stakeholders

Recruitment information and timetable

Funding: The salary range is £30,000 - £35,000 per annum depending on experience. This is advertised as a full-time position; however, we are open to flexible arrangements. For example, the role could be structured as a secondment from industry or academia; or offered on a part-time basis for a set number of days per week.

Closing date: The deadline for applications is 3pm, Tuesday 6th January. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 19th January 2026 with some flexibility for interview times outside of core working hours.

Start Date: February 1st, 2026

Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension dependant on funding.

Location: This will be a remote working role, with opportunities to visit Society headquarters and attend relevant RMetS events. There may also be an occasional requirement for in person meetings with the Met Office and our funding partner.

Support: The role will be supervised by the RMetS Science Engagement Business Development Manager. Expenses will be reimbursed in line with the RMetS Expenses Policy.

The Royal Meteorological Society values diversity of background and perspective and is committed to treating all people equally and with respect irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We value diversity of background and perspective.

We are particularly committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. As part of this commitment, we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role they have applied for and we will proactively consider all reasonable adjustments to facilitate employment with us. If you wish to apply under this scheme, please indicate this in your covering letter.

Community Fundraiser - London​

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within London.​

Key Responsibilities: ​​​

• Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​​

Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

​

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.​​

​For this role, the successful candidate must live in the London area.​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 04th January 2026

​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.

As Director of Programmes, you will:

• Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
• Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
• Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
• Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
• Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.

This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.

About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:

• Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
• Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
• Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
• Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.

Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.

*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*

Salary: £37,739.41 per annum

Location: Home based with regular travel to Shelter shops across East Scotland

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 37.5 per week

Closing date: Tuesday the 6th of January at 11:30pm

At Shelter Scotland, we believe home is everything. Every day, thousands of people are devastated by the housing emergency — and we’re here to fight it. Our shops play a vital role in raising funds to support our frontline services and campaigns, while also connecting us with communities across Scotland.

We’re now looking for a dynamic and motivated leader to join our Retail team as Assistant Area Manager (East Scotland). In this role, you’ll help ensure our shops are safe, welcoming, and thriving spaces that inspire donations, volunteering, and sales — all contributing to Shelter’s mission of defending the right to a safe home.

About the role

This role supports the Area Manager to ensure shops across the area are safe, welcoming and thriving. You’ll represent Shelter in the community, creating positive experiences for customers, donors and volunteers while maximising Gift Aid and encouraging ongoing support.

You’ll help to oversee shop operations – from pricing and stock rotation to displays and local income-generating events, along with playing a key part in recruiting, developing and guiding Community Shop Managers.

Financial responsibility is central, following procedures, reviewing shop accounts and supporting managers to identify opportunities and reduce costs. Success means helping shops meet and exceed targets, increasing Shelter’s contribution and ensuring vibrant, well-run shops that maximise impact.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced leader who can inspire and motivate teams to deliver outstanding results. You’ll thrive in a varied role, bringing energy and creativity to shop environments, helping teams attract customers and donors, and deepening their knowledge of Shelter’s mission. With strong influencing skills, you’ll train, develop and empower people to run successful shops that raise vital funds.

To succeed, you’ll need experience managing staff or volunteers, delivering excellent customer service, overseeing multiple sites and working with budgets. You’ll also be enterprising and innovative, with the ability to engage communities and have knowledge of charity retail and how to grow sales.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

This role sits within the Income Generation directorate within the Retail team at Shelter. You will work alongside and report into the Area Manager, along with the Community Shop Managers of the shops you will be helping to oversee.

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ on the advert. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement with responses to the points in the About You section of the job description of no more than 350 words each. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format.

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered

About Shelter Scotland 

Shelter Scotland is Scotland’s national housing and homelessness charity. Our vision is of a home for everyone in Scotland. For over 50 years, the way we drive change has remained the same. We advise and support people in housing need today and use the insight we gain to inform our campaigns to change tomorrow. We also raise professional standards for those working in Scotland’s housing and homelessness sector by offering a broad range of training courses.

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday thousands of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter Scotland. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.